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May 16, 2008

Friday Favorites, Episode 10 (and a few of my own things)

I had an unexpected day off from the garden center due to the rain (when it's raining all day, I've learned, I get calls sometimes telling me not to come in because it will be dead.) So, of course, I decided to do some craft-related things...I got a free shirt from a clothing exchange that my church did a couple months ago, and I really liked the shirt's style, but it's a large so it was a little too big for me. So I decided to play with my serger and differential feed, and it now fits me better and the knit didn't stretch! Then I went to Joanns' to get those patterns, then went to Linens N' Things to get a few things for the shower I'm doing the bridesmaid thing for tomorrow (needed something I could put cheese & crackers on-- hopefully I can find a use for it afterwards, because it's definitely reusable). And then went back to Joann's and bought some fabric, because I'd seen some that I was eyeing that would work nicely for one of the patterns I just bought (the shorter version of McCalls' 5624. Going to try it out with this and see how the dress looks before I try to make a long version.) I think my family's cat approves of my choice. I'm kicking myself a little, though-- these two pieces of fabric were on sale, but since there's white involved in the print I decided to go ahead and line the dress, just for some extra security. The lining I'd originally picked didn't have enough on the bolt, so I went back and grabbed another-- I could have gotten the $3.99 a yard stuff, but it just felt stiff and I figured it would be right against my skin since it's a summer dress, so I had to go for the $8.99 a yard stuff instead. As a result, the lining was actually more expensive than the print fabric. And I didn't have a coupon because I misplaced my circular and could not find it after two days of searching. Oh well... I'll just keep telling myself that the higher price means the lining is higher quality and will therefore make the dress better.

I also finished the bridesmaid jewelry last night, minus the clasps on all but this one. (This was my original sample. The clasps will be added later, so I can customize the lengths to each girl for a uniform look. The earrings are all identical too, except for one pair is clip-ons because the girl doesn't have her ears pierced (and told the bride she refused to do it for her wedding, as much as she likes her. ;-) I do have a good number of beads left over, so I think a seventh necklace may be in order for J., since she paid for the supplies. (Though it'll be different, because I have no more of the teardrops.)

Also accomplished yesterday: cutting out the oven mitts. Again, no pics till it's done! (At least I know that J. won't be stalking my blog... #1, she's not crafty, and #2, she doesn't know I have it. ;-)

And now, onto this week's blog roundup...

1. My Half of the Brain had a link to a tutorial for a thread catcher. I think I might have to make one of these for my serger, because that thing is a mess! (The rick-rack dahlias are cute too, but I can't think of any use for them at this point.)

4. Another fun blog, which I found through a spontaneous stop over at ReadyMade: Ikea Hacker. Basically like Wardrobe Refashion, but for cheap Ikea housewares. I have a feeling this site would be much more dangerous if I had a place of my own to decorate. And an Ikea that's closer than an hour or so away.

5. Speaking of Wardrobe Refashion, I just have to say that I love this shirt makeover posted on there this week. It has a bit of a modernized Jane Austen feel to it, which I think is great. (Also speaking of WR, I'm very strongly leaning towards signing up again once the next round of signups is available...)

6. Last pick of the week, which is making me hungry even though I'm just finishing up lunch (maybe... I think I might need more food): Consumption Rebellion posted a yummy-looking recipe for Morrocan Roast Lamb (and something to do with the leftovers). Out of the ethnic cuisines I've tried, Morrocan is one of my favorites, so I will definitely have to give this one a shot sometime. Though I might have to sub in some beef, since lamb's not the most readily available meat around here...